Dravid's recall worries Vengsarkar

Dilip Vengsarkar, the former chairman of selectors under whose reign Rahul Dravid was last dropped from India's ODI squad, has expressed surprise at his recall.

Vengsarkar said he was worried about the reason and thought process behind the recall, "If Rahul is back because he plays the short balls well, it is a matter of great concern for Indian cricket," he told Daily News & Analysis. "It means the youngsters cannot play the short balls. This decision means the cupboard is empty. If the youngsters are not technically equipped to play the short ball, then they should be sent to the National Cricket Academy. But I have my doubts.

"Rohit Sharma has missed out because, I thought, he went into a comfort zone. But youngsters like Virat Kohli, Piyush Chawla, Ajinkya Rahane and Dhaval Kulkarni need to be given opportunities at the right time."

Vengsarkar hoped that Dravid would seize the opportunity. "I hope, wish and expect him to do well," he said. "Rahul is a great batsman with a very sound technique. The ODIs, unlike the Tests, is a batsman's game. Unless you make mistakes you don't get out. Rahul doesn't commit too many mistakes."

Offspinner Harbhajan Singh had no doubt that Dravid's return to India's one-day side would provide the experience the team needs for the Champions Trophy. "(It's) good to have him back in the side," Harbhajan told PTI. "Rahul Dravid is a great player. He is one of the best players India has produced. It's great for the side."

Sachin Tendulkar has also been picked in the 15-member squad for the tournament to be held in South Africa in September-October and the tri-series in Sri Lanka prior to that next month, and Harbhajan said the experience of both players would lend balance to the team.

"We have some senior players like Tendulkar and Dravid back in the side, so we have the required experience," Harbhajan said. "At the same time, this will give an opportunity to the youngsters like RP Singh to cement their place in the side. I am sure we will do well in the tri-series."